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O'Neill insists Barry will not be sold in January

28/11/2008

Martin O'Neill boss insists Gareth Barry will stay at Aston Villa until "at least" the end of the season.

Barry, who was close to a move to Liverpool last summer, has 18 months left on his contract.

The midfielder has the option to buy out the final 12 months of his contract under Fifa laws.

But O'Neill insists Barry will stay until the summer and Villa will not cash in during the January transfer window.

"He is going to see it out here until the summer - at least - and see where we all are positioned," the Irishman said.

"So any speculation in January will be purely that. I couldn't be more pleased. His form is very good.

"Any sort of options are open to him. He will be in the driving seat if he continues to perform in the manner he is doing.

"Gareth can buy himself out of his final year. I understand that but it has never been a major issue with the owner of the football club [Randy Lerner]."

The 27-year-old, who is valued at around £18 million, is expected to start in tomorrow’s clash with Fulham at Villa Park.